afx Posted August 3, 2017 Author Share Posted August 3, 2017 Smokey's Camaro was infamous but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. Surprised the Cuda ran with the stock exhaust outlets in the rear valance (I think the restored car has them filled) but that makes it easier for the modeler just install the kit valance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtx6970 Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 (edited) unless it had chrome tips. All barracuda or cuda had the notched rear valance. And all AARs had the notched valance Edited August 3, 2017 by gtx6970 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 4, 2017 Author Share Posted August 4, 2017 Have a little more cleanup work at the joints but otherwise the cage is finished! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede70 Posted August 4, 2017 Share Posted August 4, 2017 (edited) Nice cage - looking very assured and controlled there. Thanks for sharing...Mike K. Edited August 5, 2017 by swede70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AthOz Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 This is a gorgeous build. Following along the Falcon one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 Thanks Mike an AthOz. To lower the car they added a spacer (the silver block in the photo) between the leaf spring and the axle. A silly little detail that I decided to replicate using 0.75mm (.030") flat stock. This lowers the back end 3/4 scale inches. I also replaced the wimpy molded in mounting pins on the axle with something more substantial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 Front air dam (spoiler) fabricated and installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Metallic Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 (edited) Man, this is looking killer. Love this era of TransAm cars, and would love to build some. I may use your buildup as a template for my own. Excellent work so far Edited August 18, 2017 by Mr. Metallic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fordboy1975 Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 It's looking great, can't wait to see this once everything is done, it will look great!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtx6970 Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Fyi.The car has an 8-3/4 rear diff. Your model part is a Dana . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 18, 2017 Author Share Posted August 18, 2017 Yea Bill, someone else also pointed that out. The picture above is of the Challenger but I would suspect the Cuda ran the same diff. Not sure if I will change it out, I like the detail of the Dana. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Real nice work here; I like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phildaupho Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 This really has the makings of the benchmark for Trans-Am model cars and you are setting the bar very high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dublin boy Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Looking good JC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xingu Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 Yea Bill, someone else also pointed that out. The picture above is of the Challenger but I would suspect the Cuda ran the same diff. Not sure if I will change it out, I like the detail of the Dana.I did a quick Google search for Swede Savage's 'Cuda and found this video of the restored car. The poster did a complete walk around of the car and very quickly put the camera under the rear of the car. I think I saw a bolt heads/nuts on the rear. Could be that it did have a Dana. Checks the rear at about 1:13.https://youtu.be/NHXrGEO4GWM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arjay 396 Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 +1 Bill......it's a 8-3/4" differential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AthOz Posted August 19, 2017 Share Posted August 19, 2017 (edited) Thanks Mike an AthOz. To lower the car they added a spacer (the silver block in the photo) between the leaf spring and the axle. This is interesting, as I guess it lowers the car without the need to modify the spring's arch. I wonder if they did this to also get the tail shaft more aligned with the transmission, for less vibration. Also, that block will probably stiffen that area, so they maybe got less axle windup? The forum you have in your signature are 100% eye candy. WOW! Edited August 19, 2017 by AthOz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 19, 2017 Author Share Posted August 19, 2017 I did a quick Google search for Swede Savage's 'Cuda and found this video of the restored car. The poster did a complete walk around of the car and very quickly put the camera under the rear of the car. I think I saw a bolt heads/nuts on the rear. Could be that it did have a Dana. Checks the rear at about 1:13.https://youtu.be/NHXrGEO4GWMI see the bolt heads too Mike - thanks for posting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted August 19, 2017 Share Posted August 19, 2017 Looking great, JC! Love these old Trans Am racers. Keep 'er rolling along! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 20, 2017 Author Share Posted August 20, 2017 (edited) Thanks Dan. The spoiler only attaches to the trunk lid. I added a .010" strip to the base of the spoiler before attaching it. Also cut the notches for the safety pins. Edited August 20, 2017 by afx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 Cross brace to reinforce the unibody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Driver Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 There's a very nice 8 3/4 axle in the AMT '71 Charger, should you choose that avenue, JC. Photo by Casey Littman. The only negative is the AMT axle has the spring windup bumper above the pinion. That bumper appears to be absent on your posted photo. My educated guess is the following. Road racers would prefer an axle with a removable center section, for the ease of axle ratio changes. Several pre-set sections could be kept on hand to easily tailor the axle ratio to suit a particular track. The 8 3/4 (and the 9 inch Ford) would suit that method. Just my humble opinion, JC. I enjoy following along here and on the racing forum . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 That is a nice axle Frank - thank you. Unfortunately I don't have that kit and not sure I would ruin it just to steal the axle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afx Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 Created an opening in the core support and boxed out the inner fender to accept an oil cooler. Inner fender before: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belugawrx Posted August 21, 2017 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Really nice work here JC Following along, to get ideas for my Cannonball entry,( if I can get back to the bench)Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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